What happened to Etiquette?

 It’s high time we face the music: golf etiquette is on life support, and I’m here to sound the alarm! Once a game of respect and tradition, the golf course is now plagued by laziness and a complete disregard for the traditions that make this sport great.

First up: pitch marks. Is it really that hard to repair your divots? I can’t count how many times I’ve encountered greens that look like a battlefield. These little indents affect not only the aesthetics of the course but also the quality of play for everyone. It’s infuriating to watch fellow golfers stroll away from their marks, leaving others to deal with their mess. Fix your pitch marks, people! It’s the least you can do and also so satisfying to fix.

Next, let’s talk about the dress code. Remember when wearing nice shorts and a collared shirt was the standard? Now it seems like anything goes! Ripped jeans and T-shirts are taking over, and it’s downright disrespectful to the game. I quite literally saw somebody shirtess golfing the other day. Golf is about tradition, and showing up inappropriately dressed shows a lack of respect for the course and fellow players.

And finally, who thought it was a good idea to blast loud music on the course? Golf is meant to be a serene experience, a chance to escape the chaos of daily life. Yet, I often find myself playing alongside groups who think they’re at a concert. The sound of music blasting through the trees is not only distracting but also ruins the atmosphere for everyone around. 

It’s time for all of us to step up and restore the etiquette that golf deserves. Let’s bring back the respect, decency, and decorum that should define our beloved game!